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| Saturday, 26 February 2005 |
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by Rajmi Manatunga The day the tsunami waves ravaged the coastal areas of Sri Lanka and left thousands killed, maimed and displaced is probably the bleakest day in Sri Lanka's history. The massive waves that submerged the once beautiful sea-side villages took over 30,000 lives and made nearly 100,000 homeless in barely 20 minutes. However, the wave of compassion that followed the tragedy surpassed all tidal waves, with people around the world extending a helping hand to their fellow human beings in the hour of need. Among them were a large number of Sri Lankans living abroad who, after seeing the disaster that hit their motherland took immediate steps to help those affected rebuild their shattered lives. "The moment we heard of the disaster we decided to help. We collected medical equipment, dry rations and other essential items and sent them to Sri Lanka," says Channa Ranasinghe, a Sri Lankan living in Wellington, New Zealand. Ranasinghe is the Vice President of the United Sri Lanka Association in New Zealand, an organisation comprising thousands of Sri Lankans in New Zealand. Speaking to the Daily News, he recollected the generosity and concern shown by the New Zealand Government and its people towards Sri Lankans affected by the tsunami disaster. "We immediately started individual fund raising programs in the areas we live. In New Zealand one must seek permission from the Government to raise funds for any cause and the New Zealand Internal Affairs Ministry most readily granted us the authorisation required," he recalls. "Initially we raised 30,000 New Zealand dollars and after several television interviews and newspaper advertisements, the fund exceeded 300,000 dollars. Most of this contribution came from the Kiwis. Some people came to us and simply emptied their wallets," Ranasinghe said. Afterwards the Government decided to match the funds raised for the tsunami dollar to dollar while the Centre for International Aid contributed 68 million dollars. The entire country, from our places of work to the airport helped us a lot in this effort," he added expressing his gratitude to both the New Zealand Government and its people. The Association has decided to use the funds raised to rebuild a town in the Ambalangoda district completely destroyed by the tsunami waves. "We have earmarked the city of Weragolla in Kuleegoda and will channel funds for the rehabilitation activities there. The project will include building houses for the displaced, restoring the infrastructure, constructing schools, playgrounds and rebuilding each city to its previous glory. We also hope to assist reconstruction in the North-East," he said. Eighty per cent and 20 per cent of the funds will be allocated to Sarvodaya and UNICEF New Zealand to carry out the projects. |
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